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Key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State on Wednesday met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to reaffirm their commitment to delivering the state for the ruling party in the 2027 general elections.

The delegation, drawn from the three senatorial zones of Kaduna State, included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, alongside Senators Marshall Katung and Shehu Sani.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Abbas said the visit was aimed at briefing the President on the progress made by the APC in Kaduna and the level of preparedness ahead of the next election cycle.

“We are here to brief Mr President on the progress of the APC in Kaduna State and to assure him that the party has a 100 per cent advantage and is well-positioned for a landslide victory in the 2027 elections,” he said.

The Speaker acknowledged that the party had previously faced challenges in expanding its acceptance across the state but noted that recent political developments had strengthened its foothold.

“In the past, APC’s acceptance was largely limited to Zones One and Two, but through the efforts and leadership of Governor Uba Sani, the party has successfully penetrated Zone Three, which was predominantly controlled by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Today, APC is dominant across the three senatorial zones,” Abbas stated.

He added that the delegation’s visit was also to reassure the President that Kaduna was fully mobilised and “battle-ready” to deliver victories for the APC at all levels.

Similarly, Senators Katung and Sani said the stakeholders used the meeting to inform the President that necessary groundwork had been completed across the state to ensure electoral success for the party.

They noted that, for the first time since 1999, there was growing political unity among Christian communities in Southern Kaduna in support of the APC, attributing the development to the inclusive governance style and developmental strides of the current administration.

According to them, achievements in key sectors such as health, education and infrastructure, as well as the inclusive approach of the state government, have contributed to increased support for both the President and the APC in Kaduna.

“The people of Kaduna State are now more united and prepared to reciprocate the efforts of the President and the governor with their votes,” the lawmakers said.

They added that the visit served as a reassurance of the state’s readiness to leverage ongoing projects and political cohesion to secure victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections.

By Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi

In the evolving theatre of Kano politics, the reported move by Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is being framed by his loyalists as yet another masterstroke of political relevance. But beneath the familiar choreography of defection lies a more uncomfortable truth, one that Kano’s politically conscious electorate must now confront with clarity and courage.

It is not a reinvention, as they euphorically claimed, it is a repetition. For decades, Kwankwaso has perfected a pattern of movement without ideological migration, defection without doctrinal evolution. From party to party, platform to platform, the constant has never been policy or principle; it has been personal centrality. The political vehicle may change, but the driver remains the same and the destination is invariably power concentrated in one man’s orbit.

For the first time in a long while, the choice before Kano electorates in 2027 is very clear – choosing between two political destinies; politics as personal preservation and politics as public evolution.

The ADC, in this context, risks becoming less a party and more an extension of a familiar enterprise; another platform recalibrated to sustain a personal political ecosystem. It is a model Kano knows too well; loyalty elevated above competence, structure subordinated to personality and dissent quietly erased in the name of movement cohesion.

This is the deeper question: At what point does political consistency give way to political monopoly?

Sen. Kwankwaso’s enduring strength has never been in institutional building but in emotional consolidation, the creation of a movement bound not by shared governance philosophy but by personal allegiance. Such a structure, while formidable in mobilization, is inherently fragile in transition. It struggles to outlive the will of its architect and resists the emergence of alternative voices within its fold. That is precisely where the contrast with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf becomes both striking and significant.

Governor Yusuf’s political realignment, controversial as it may appear on the surface, signals something Kano has long been denied, the assertion of institutional independence over inherited loyalty. In choosing to chart a course outside the shadow of political godfatherism, he has disrupted a long-standing orthodoxy that, leadership in Kano must be tethered to a singular political patriarch.

That was not merely a defection, it was a declaration. A declaration that governance must evolve beyond the boundaries of personal empires. That Kano’s future cannot remain perpetually negotiated within the inner circles of a single political lineage. That leadership must, at some point, belong fully to the people, not proximally to a benefactor.

Critics will argue that politics is, by nature, fluid, that movement between parties is neither new nor inherently problematic. And they would be correct. But fluidity becomes suspect when it consistently flows in one direction, towards the preservation of personal dominance rather than the advancement of public purpose.

What Kano now witnesses is a defining divergence in political philosophy. On one hand, a recycled trajectory, a seasoned tactician seeking renewed relevance through another platform, carrying forward a model anchored in personal command. On the other, an emergent assertion, a sitting governor boldly attempting, however imperfectly, to redraw the boundaries between mentorship and control, loyalty and autonomy.

This moment, therefore, is larger than party labels. It is about the ownership of Kano’s political future. Will it remain the extension of an enduring political dynasty, adaptable in platform but constant in control?
Or will it gradually transition into a more open, institution-driven system where leadership is negotiated by performance rather than predetermined by allegiance?

Sen. Kwankwaso’s move to ADC may yet reshape alliances, energize opposition and reconfigure the electoral map. But it also inadvertently sharpens a narrative that may prove far more consequential, the contrast between politics as personal preservation and politics as public evolution. In that contrast lies the real contest ahead. And perhaps, for the first time in a long while, Kano is not merely choosing between parties, it is choosing between two political destinies.

Barrister Hussaini is the
Convener – “KanoFirst Movement”

Mike Udenyi

Lafia, Nigeria – The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has accused the Nasarawa State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Hassan Abdullahi, of harassment and intimidation against a federal constituency aspirant, Hon. Terry Tsala.

In a strongly worded press statement issued on March 30, 2026, the MBF’s National Publicity Officer, Luka Binniyat, expressed alarm over what he described as a pattern of targeting citizens seeking lawful means of self-defense amidst rising insecurity in the region.

According to Binniyat, Hon. Tsala, who is vying to represent the Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency, recently procured a locally made hunting gun from a licensed maker. The MBF spokesman stated that this was a lawful step taken by the aspirant to protect himself, a practice he described as “normal for the few that can afford it in many communities facing insecurity in the Middle Belt.”

The situation escalated when, according to Binniyat, Mr. Hassan Abdullahi ordered the arrest of Hon. Tsala on alleged charges of ordering five hunting rifles—a claim the aspirant has firmly denied. The forum alleged that Tsala has been summoned repeatedly to the DSS office in Lafia and is being pressured to admit to an accusation he rejects.

“We must state it clearly: hunting guns are not illegal when properly obtained,” the statement reads, citing Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and the right to self-defense.

Binniyat went further to accuse the Nasarawa DSS director of acting in the interest of “those terrorizing our land,” arguing that his actions are designed to keep local populations helpless. The forum noted that Nasarawa State has become a staging ground for attacks on neighboring Middle Belt states, including Benue, Plateau, and Taraba.

The MBF spokesman highlighted a contradiction between the actions of the state DSS director and the recent public stance of the DSS Director General, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, who called on communities to serve as the “first line of defense” against terrorists.

“How can people defend themselves when officers are arresting them for trying to get even the most basic lawful tools?” Binniyat queried.

The forum is now calling on the federal government to establish a “proper and supervised system” for the mass production and lawful, affordable distribution of basic defense tools to citizens. It also threatened to cooperate with international interests, stating that it is ready to provide information to the United States regarding the “ongoing genocide in the Middle Belt.”

Binniyat concluded with a stark warning, holding the state DSS director personally accountable for the aspirant’s safety.

“Finally, we make it very clear: if anything happens to Hon. Terry Tsala, the MBF will know who to hold responsible,” the statement concluded.

Efforts to reach the Nasarawa State DSS command for a response regarding the allegations were unsuccessful as of press time.

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his birthday, lauding his leadership and commitment to national development, particularly in the energy sector.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Commission, the Director-General of the ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, described the President as a courageous leader whose reform-driven governance has continued to inspire confidence and optimism across the country.

Abdullahi noted that Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated strong resolve in repositioning Nigeria’s energy landscape, with a clear focus on sustainability and innovation. He particularly highlighted the President’s support for solarisation initiatives and the transition to renewable energy, which he said have significantly improved power access in key sectors.

According to him, over 37 health institutions, tertiary institutions, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as several rural and urban communities, have benefited from solar energy interventions within the last three years.

He further commended the President’s role as Chairman of the ECN Board, noting that his practical commitment to energy reforms is laying a solid foundation for resilience, innovation, and sustainable national development.

“Your courageous leadership, firm resolve, and bold reform-driven governance continue to serve as a springboard for a renewed Nigeria,” Abdullahi stated.

The ECN boss also acknowledged the President’s broader impact across critical sectors, describing his leadership as instrumental in driving national progress.

He prayed for God to grant the President renewed wisdom, good health, and long life to continue steering the country toward greater prosperity.

“Happy Birthday, Mr. President,” the statement added, celebrating Tinubu as a leader committed to the advancement of Nigeria.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has condoled with former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother.

In a condolence message issued on Saturday, Sani described the passing as a profound loss not only to the El-Rufai family but also to Kaduna State and the nation at large.

He paid glowing tribute to the deceased, commending her life of service, community leadership, and the enduring legacy of her motherly care and guidance.

“Her death is a great loss to Kaduna State and the nation at large. We appreciate her life, community leadership, and motherly love,” he said.

Sani also prayed for the repose of her soul, asking Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljannatul Firdaus. He further prayed for strength and comfort for El-Rufai and his family in this moment of grief.

“May Allah console the heart of our former Governor and his family members,” he added.

Reflecting on a personal connection, the former lawmaker noted that the deceased was also the mother of his late childhood friend, Ibrahim Iro El-Rufai, who died in a tragic road accident in 2014.

He concluded with the Islamic expression, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” meaning, “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.”

By Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi

In moments of political turbulence, leadership is ultimately judged not by loyalty to structures in crises, but by fidelity to the people one serves. The recent ruling of the Apo Judicial Division of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, which recognized the Boniface Aniebonam faction of the NNPP as the legally authentic party and directed INEC accordingly, has brought a decisive clarity to what had long been an increasingly murky and destabilizing internal conflict.

For the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, this judicial pronouncement does more than settle a factional dispute, it vindicates a decision that, at the time it was made, attracted fierce criticism but was rooted in pragmatic foresight and responsibility.

When the Governor chose to part ways with the faction aligned to Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the dominant narrative pushed by critics was one of betrayal. Yet, with the benefit of unfolding events and now the weight of judicial affirmation, it is increasingly evident that the decision was not about political convenience but about safeguarding the stability of Kano State.

At the heart of the matter lies a simple but propound principle that governance cannot thrive in the shadow of legal uncertainty and factional paralysis. The protracted crisis within the NNPP had already begun to cast a long shadow over its elected officials, raising legitimate concerns about party legitimacy, electoral mandates and the risks of prolonged litigations.

For a sitting Governor, the implications were stark; whether to remain entangled in a party facing existential legal disputes or chart a course that ensures continuity of governance and protects the mandate entrusted by the people. Governor Yusuf chose the latter.
His defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) must therefore be understood not as an abandonment of political ideals, but as an act of strategic recalibration in the interest of the people. By stepping away from a party embroiled in internal contradictions, now confirmed by the court’s recognition of a rival faction, he effectively insulated Kano from the kind of instability that often accompanies prolonged political and legal crises.

Critically, this move also positioned the state to benefit from stronger alignment with the federal government. In Nigeria’s political economy, access matters. Federal collaboration can accelerate infrastructure development, enhance security coordination and unlock economic opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. In this regard, the governor’s decision reflects a clear prioritization of outcomes over optics and of tangible progress over partisan rigidity.

It is also worth noting that leadership sometimes requires the courage to endure temporary misunderstanding in pursuit of long-term stability. The initial backlash that greeted the governor’s move was, in many ways, inevitable in a political environment deeply shaped by loyalty to personalities and movements. However, as the internal contradictions within the NNPP have now been laid bare through judicial intervention, the logic underpinning Governor AKY’s decision becomes increasingly difficult to dispute.

This is not to suggest that political realignments are without consequence or controversy. They are, by nature, disruptive. But disruption, when guided by a clear commitment to public interest, can be a necessary prelude to stability and progress.
The unfolding reality, therefore, invites a reaffirming of the narrative. Rather than viewing the governor’s defection through the narrow lens of partisan allegiance, it should be seen within the broader context of responsible governance. Faced with a party in disarray and risk of legal and political uncertainty, Abba Kabir Yusuf chose a path that prioritized Kano first, its stability, its development and its future.

In the final analysis, history tends to be kinder to decisions that place people above politics. The recent court ruling does not merely resolve a party dispute, it underscores a deeper truth that in times of crisis, decisive leadership anchored in the public good will always find its justification.
Kano deserves stability; Kano deserves progress and above all, Kano deserves leadership that is willing to make difficult choices.

Barrister Hussaini is the Special Adviser to Governor AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters.

By Abdullahi Sabiu

Fresh from a defining moment on the global stage in Japan, where he secured a prestigious international maritime leadership role, Abubakar Dantsoho clocks 57 with his profile not just rising at home, but commanding recognition across the world’s maritime corridors.

It is a fitting milestone for a man whose steady hand is fast redefining Nigeria’s port ecosystem.

At the helm of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dantsoho has emerged as a quiet reformer with global relevance—bridging local execution with international credibility. His recent recognition abroad is more than ceremonial; it is a validation of reforms taking root within Nigeria’s once-troubled port system.

Since assuming office, he has steered the NPA away from chronic inefficiencies toward a culture of discipline, coordination, and forward planning. Congestion is being confronted, processes are being streamlined, and the long-overdue march toward port digitisation is gaining traction. The result is a system gradually shedding its old image and embracing operational clarity.

Dantsoho’s leadership is defined by resolve rather than rhetoric. He understands that ports are not just terminals—they are economic lifelines.

Under his watch, every improvement in cargo clearance, every reduction in turnaround time, and every increase in transparency feeds directly into national productivity and investor confidence.

What sets him apart is his ability to navigate a complex web of stakeholders without losing focus. The maritime sector, long burdened by entrenched interests, is yielding—slowly but surely—to a new order driven by accountability and shared purpose.

Now, with global recognition reinforcing his local reforms, Dantsoho stands at a unique intersection: a technocrat with both domestic impact and international voice.

His growing influence signals that Nigeria is no longer content with being a passive player in global maritime affairs.

At 57, his journey reflects discipline, depth, and direction. Not loud, not flamboyant—but effective, strategic, and increasingly impossible to ignore.

As Nigeria pushes to unlock the vast potential of its blue economy, one thing is becoming clear: the momentum is real—and Dantsoho is firmly at its centre.

Complete Story:

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and the Nigerian Air Force have initiated a strategic partnership to enhance energy security and support anti-terrorism operations through renewable energy solutions. This development follows a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force, led by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal E. K. Gabkwet, and the Chief of Logistics, AVM A. I. Sambo, to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

During the visit, Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet expressed appreciation to the Director General of ECN, Dr. Abdullahi, for granting the audience and conveyed the goodwill of the Chief of the Air Staff. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing renewable energy solutions to support anti-terrorism operations. He also requested technical training support from ECN for Air Force personnel and pledged the Air Force’s assistance in logistics, transportation, and other operational areas.

In his remarks, Dr. Abdullahi described the engagement as historic, noting that it is the first of its kind between the ECN and the military. He reiterated the Commission’s mandate to ensure national energy security and highlighted key policy frameworks, including the National Energy Policy (NEP) and the National Energy Master Plan (NEMP).

The Director-General further outlined ongoing solarisation projects in healthcare facilities and tertiary institutions, assuring the delegation that similar initiatives would be extended to the Nigerian Air Force. He also announced the immediate deployment of solar-powered lighting solutions to support Air Force operations.

Copies of the NEP and NEMP were presented to the delegation, and both parties affirmed that the partnership marks the beginning of sustained collaboration aimed at advancing national development and security.

The meeting was attended by ECN directors and members of the Air Force delegation, including AVM C. E. Akpa, Air Commodore L. O. Wabriboko, Air Commodore A. T. Adejimi, I. O. Akpasa, Squadron Leader A. B. Gambo, and Flight Lieutenant A. M. Aondoakaa.

Abdul Abdulahi

KADUNA – A wave of anticipation swept through the legal community in Kaduna on Wednesday as the Court of Appeal commenced hearings in a landmark case that could redefine the work and school week for millions of residents in Kaduna State.

The appeal, brought by legal practitioner Gloria Mabeiam Ballason, challenges the constitutionality of the four-day work and schooling week introduced by former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. The policy, which took effect on December 1, 2021, has remained in place, sparking a significant legal debate about its impact on productivity and education.

In what legal observers are calling a pivotal moment for administrative law in the state, a seasoned panel of justices presided over the case. The Coram comprised Hon. Justice Onyekachi Aja Otisi, Hon. Justice Abimbola Osarugue Obaseki-Adejumo, and Hon. Justice Sybil Onyeji Nwaka-Gbagi, signalling the weight the appellate court places on the matter.

The courtroom was charged with intellectual rigor as Ballason, representing herself, adopted her brief of argument. She passionately urged the justices to allow the appeal, contending that the executive order oversteps constitutional bounds and has adversely affected workforce productivity and the academic calendar of school children.

On the other side, the legal machinery of the state government was in full force. The Attorney General of Kaduna State, Dr. J.A. Kanyip, led a formidable legal team—including A.A. Aku, S.M. Gamaliel, M.P. Danjuma, and Koni Tauna—to defend the policy. They adopted their brief and urged the court to uphold the ruling of the lower court and dismiss the appeal. Notably, the Minister of Interior, listed as the 4th Respondent, was unrepresented despite proof of service.

After a thorough session where all sides presented their arguments, the presiding justices reserved judgment, leaving the state’s workforce, parents, and students in eager anticipation of a ruling that could either validate a unique approach to governance or steer the state back to the traditional five-day structure.

The judgment, once delivered, is expected to have far-reaching implications for the rhythm of life in Kaduna State.

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By Mike Makawa Abuja

A former Administrator of Jaba Local Government Area in Kaduna State, women’s rights advocate, and filmmaker, Nita Byack George, has praised Governor Uba Sani for fostering a political environment that actively supports the push for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, currently before the National Assembly.

Byack made the commendation on Sunday while marking International Women’s Day, spotlighting Kaduna State’s increasing prominence as a strategic centre for initiatives aimed at boosting female political representation, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

She noted that the state has recently hosted several pivotal engagements that have significantly advanced national advocacy for the bill. According to Byack, one of the earliest major initiatives took place on December 5, 2025, during the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. On that day, Kaduna convened its first State Advocacy Power Table, a forum dedicated entirely to discussions on the proposed legislation.

The meeting, organised by Byack—widely known as “the Administrator”—in collaboration with the Nigerian League of Women Voters (NILOWV) and the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), brought together lawmakers, women leaders, civil society organisations, students, and development partners. Participants lauded the session as a crucial step, moving the campaign beyond public awareness into structured legislative dialogue at both state and federal levels.

Byack further highlighted a landmark event on January 29, 2026, when Kaduna hosted the Northwest Regional Advocacy Forum on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill. The forum was led by the Majority Leader of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Munirat Sulieman Tanimu, and united women leaders and political stakeholders from across the region.

The presence of top government officials underscored the state’s commitment. Governor Uba Sani attended the forum alongside his deputy, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe; the governor’s wife, Hafsatu Uba Sani; and the National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mary Alile. Byack stated that this high-level participation demonstrated tangible political will and reassured advocates that the Kaduna State Government is a firm ally in the fight for gender-inclusive reforms.

Beyond direct political advocacy, Byack noted that cultural platforms are also playing a role. The Arewa International Film Festival, founded by actress Rahama Sadau and hosted in Kaduna, provided an additional avenue to amplify discussions on women in leadership, proving that dialogue on inclusive governance can thrive across various sectors.

Byack asserted that the Kaduna State Government’s support for political, legislative, and cultural platforms has been instrumental in creating safe spaces for women to organise, engage policymakers, and shape national conversations on constitutional reform.

She expressed strong optimism that as the Reserved Seats for Women Bill approaches decisive stages in the National Assembly, Kaduna will continue to serve as a model for how subnational governments can champion women’s political participation.

“The sustained backing from Governor Uba Sani is not just encouraging for us in Kaduna; it sends a powerful signal to legislators and stakeholders nationwide,” Byack said. She added that this visible political commitment could be the catalyst that increases the bill’s chances of eventual passage, paving the way for a more inclusive democracy in Nigeria.